4 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



rather inclined to leannefs. It is worthy of remark^ 



that, inftead of croffing the breed, the Arabs take every 

 precaution to keep it pure and unmixed : They preferve 

 with the greateft care, and for an amazing length of 

 time, the genealogies of their Horfes — Thofe of the firft 

 kind are called Nobles, being " of a pure and ancient 

 race, purer than milk." They have likewife two other 

 kinds, which, having been degraded by common alli- 

 ances, fell at inferior prices. 



From Arabia* the race of Horfes has probably extend- 

 ed into Barbary and other parts of Africa; thofe being 

 confidered as next to the Arabian Horfes in fwiftnefs and 

 beauty, though they are fome what fmaller. 



The Spanijh Genette is held in great eftimation: Like 

 the former, it is fmall, but beautiful, and extremely 

 fwift. 



The Horfes of India and many parts of China are ex- 

 tremely fmall and vicious. One of thefe was fome years 

 ago brought into this country as a prefent to the queen* 

 which was very little larger than fome maftiffs, mea- 

 furing only nine hands in height. 



